"You need it WHEN?". (click to enlarge image)

The "OLD WAY"
Traditionally, as-built data has been collected thru a manual note-taking process, and often with 2-man crews using tapes for actual measurement. The introduction of the Leica Laser Disto was a huge step forward, allowing data to be gathered accurately and efficiently with a 1-man crew, with less disruption and inconvenience to building occupants. However, recording of the "numbers" and architectural detail was (and still is for most of our competitors) a major stumbling block. Most simply write down the numbers displayed on the Disto onto a set of paper notes - a manual process, and prone to error!

Notes had to be taken in accordance with a system, then passed on to trained CAD (computer-aided drafting) operators for interpretation and compilation into final working drawings. Even with a system, there is always human error involved, and such errors are typically not caught until the data is processed back in the office by the CAD operator. Errors in measurement, recording of measurements, sketching of layouts, or simply errors due to messy handwriting all result in return trips to the field for correction. Not to mention layering of CAD data, a process typically performed back in the office without the input of the field person. The end result? Slower turnaround times, and more disruption for building occupants. And increased costs of course.

Typical field technician using LTS System. (click to enlarge image)

LTS is a custom software solution, developed by Floorplans and used only by us! Basically a Windows program, with a "CAD-engine" at its core, it was designed and built from the ground up for the efficient gathering and recording of as-built building data, customized to take advantage of the wireless link to the laser Disto plus the pen-tablet interface. Running on the Fujitsu, the program's intuitive point-and-click interface is designed for ease of use. Our trained field operators simply input measurements via the laser, handwriting, or the manual keypad if necessary.

Even more importantly however, the program enforces a standard methodology, and ensures a building is drawn accurately and correctly before leaving the field. Accuracy is ensured through dynamic element-linking, tolerance settings, and automated closure checks. That's why LTS is THE standard for creating "As-Builts", it's not just a drawing tool, it's a Survey technology. Return trips to the field are completely eliminated!

The major advantages of the LTS System are:

• Ease of Use -    new operators can be easily trained on the system within 1 week.
• Increased efficiency - our operators can typically measure and draw at an average rate of 1500 sq.ft. per hour. 
• Industry standard- data is collected and stored in standard Autocad format. 
• Fully configurable - our clients own CAD layering and blocking standards are easily configured, with all field data mapped to their configuration "on the fly".  The result?  Our operators will collect measurements as normal, with all data and symbols stored in a clients format automatically, with no operator intervention required.  Easy, transparent, seamless integration.
• No building too complicated- unlike some competitor products on the market, our system has been designed and proven to handle buildings of ANY shape or size.  There are no size limitations, no problems with curves or angles, and no problem with inaccessible areas.  With an ingenious triangulation methodology implemented, LTS can resolve any layout imaginable.
• Powerful Auto-Closure built-in- in any survey of a building, there will always be an adjustment process.  LTS has automated this procedure as much as possible.  Closed rooms or areas may be auto-adjusted by a trained operator, mathematically 'spreading' the adjustment around the room on a pro-rated basis.  Total adjustment statistics are accumulated floor-by-floor, allowing us to provide an absolutely accurate figure representing the tolerances achieved on every LASERtech® survey.  This forms the basis of our Guarantee.

With the data acquisition complete, the files are electronically transferred to our CAD Center for final processing and preparation of deliverables.